Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
A PUBLICATION of
Ecotourism Kenya
Linking tourism, conservation and communities
The authentic
coastal
experience
OCTOber - DECEMBER 2012
1
21
Issue
– december
20122011
Issue No.
No.03
01 october
AuGusT 2011
– oCTober
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru
Lodge is an African safari accommodation in the
heart of Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is a
wonderland with a high animal density. The park’s
saline lake is a designated wetland of global
importance under the Ramsar Convention. This
unique wildlife protected area is only two hours
drive away from Nairobi on highway through some
of the most scenic views in in Africa, into the
majestic Great Rift Valley, past Lakes Naivasha,
Oloidien and Elmentaita and forested uplands all
the way to the bustling market town of Nakuru.
A chartered flight from Nairobi takes only 25
minutes from Wilson Airport through equally
impressive views to Lake Nakuru Airstrip situated
at the Rhino Sanctuary Headquarters in Naishi.
Lake Nakuru Lodge isan oasis of comfort and
excellent service, with commanding views of
Lake Nakuru, a home to the Lesser and Greater
flamingo species. The tranquility here makes
visitors forget the hustle and bustle of busy
cities. The lodge design blends well with natural
surroundings. Many wild herbivores often feed
peacefully close to the lodge boundary, much
to the fascination of the visitors. The lodge
accommodates 180 guests in family rooms,
deluxe cottages, and suites. The style of service
at Lake Nakuru Lodge is unique.
Relaxation Experience at Lake Nakuru
Lodge. Lake Nakuru Lodge has excellent cuisine, which
includes outside catering, bush barbecue, African
night and Sundowners. After a day of game
watching, the spaciously logged Mama Nikki
bar, the cool upstairs Rhino Paddock Cocktail
Bar overlooking the lake and the enticing blue
swimming pool can be particularly inviting. Guests
relax while enjoying the views of Baboon Cliff and
Honeymoon Hill. Evening entertainment and slide
shows for guests is interesting and varied.
Lake Nakuru Lodge’s, Commitment to
Environment.
As a member of the Friends of Lake Nakuru/
Elementaita Ramsar Site, Lake Nakuru Lodge
supports initiatives that aim to achieve the following
at the popular tourist destination:
• Reduction of threats to this wetland of
international importance.
• Conservation of the ecological character of the
park and preservation of maintaining the natural
integrity to flora and fauna.
• Environmental education and public awareness.
• Community conservation efforts to curb soil
erosion and encourage tree planting.
• Pollution reduction and Ecotourism - nature
friendly tourism.
[email protected] | www.lakenakurulodge.com
http://www.lakenakurulodge.com/photo-gallery/picassa-gallery.html | http://www.facebook.com/lakenakuru.lodge
EDITORIAL PAGE
Naturals magazine is published quartely by Ecotourism
Kenya. The publication targets readers interested in topics
addressing linkages between tourism and conservation of
nature and cultural values at desinations. The magazine is
distributed free of charge to registered, affiliate and associate members of Ecotourism Kenya. The organization permits
the use of any information material contained in this
publications by any interested party on condition tha the
user clearly acknowledges Ecotourism Kenya and quotes
the specific source edition of the magazine. If in doubt or
wish to seek clarification, please write or call the editor
using the address and contacts of Ecotourism Kenya.”
Ecotourism Kenya
KATO Place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
P.O Box 10146-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone: +254 020 2574059 Mobile: +254 0726366080
Fax: +254 20 2724755
Email: [email protected]
www.ecotourismkenya.org
EK Board Members 2012:
Chairman: Andrew Muigai
Secretary: Elizabeth Kimotho
Treasurer: John Duffy
Chair, Fundraising Sub-committee: Dr. Mohanjeet Brar
Chair, Eco-rating Sub-Committee: Dr. Mordecai Ogada
Chair, Publicity and Marketing Sub-Comm.: George Kamau
Members: Judy Kepher-Gona, Hadley Becha, Elizabeth
Nzani, Kahindi Lekalhaile
Contents
4
About Ecotourism Kenya
5
Editorial Page
6
Discovering Lamu
8
Big But Gentle, Amboseli Serena Safari
Lodge
14Opinion
15 Dish to Die for: Tamarind Cocktail Drink
18 Linking Tour Operators and Communities
Circulation:
Gordon Abong’o
Design & Layout:
Sunburst Communications Ltd
[email protected]
Disclaimer
The opinions and views expressed in articles published in Naturals magazine are the respective author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Ecotourism Kenya, which seeks to publish
a diverse range of perspectives on given issues. Authors are fully
responsible and are legally liable for their own work. Ecotourism Kenya assumes no responsibility or legal liability, express or
implied, for the content of any work by authors. Every effort
has been made to ensure the accuracy of all the information
contained in this magazine.
16
12 Ecotourism Kenya at a Glance
EK interns and volunteers:
Arnold Chege, Lilian Kagume, Aclyne Njiraini, Chiharu
Asami and Adline Isiji
Contributors:
Christina Aarts, Ken Ombok,Hadija Ernst, Sabine Pruess,
Dishon Murage, Njambi Muigai, Dr. Cheryl Mvula, Anne
J, Yusra Hassan Ali, Victoria Nyamunga, Phoebe Munyoro,
Grace Kenana and Lilian Kagume
10
10 Saving the Arabuko Sokoke Forest
16 In the Name of Posterity, Watamu Marine
Association
Advertising:
Grace Kenana
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6
EK secretariat:
Kahindi Lekalhaile, Phoebe Munyoro, Grace Kenana,
Andrew Karanja, Lynette Kamonde, Gordon Abong’o,
Hemed M. Mwafujo, Terryiann Mutindi, Yvonne Kola, Akisa
Mathenge
Editorial Team:
Kahindi Lekalhaile, Lilian Kagume and
Phoebe Munyoro
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
17 All Smiles at Turtle Bay
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18
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20 Restoring the Promise of the Sea, Kuruwitu
21 A Guide’s Eye: Kaya kinondo
22 The Tourism Act
Ecotourism Kenya’s
Magazine Editorial Policy
The following editorial policy acts as a guideline
for publishing Naturals magazine primarily for EK
members. Naturals aim is to promote ecotourism
knowledge and best practices in support of
responsible and sustainable tourism in Kenya.
The editor welcomes editorial submissions on
interesting and pertinent topics. The articles
should not exceed 1,000 words and must clearly
show the names and postal contacts of the
author/contributor.
Contributors are encouraged to write on
issues that interest, inform and empower
the target audience. Writers are welcome to
consult Ecotourism Kenya at any point during
their writing. Appropriate photographs can
be included to the accompanying articles,
with permissions and photos credits clearly
shown. Use of facts, figures, illustrations and
examples is greatly encouraged. The language
used should be for the average reader; highly
technical or academic language, plagiarism
and clichés must be avoided.
The Editorial Committee has the right to
decline and refuse to publish contributions
or advertisements deemed racial, derogatory,
defamatory or injurious to any person, known
or unknown. The editor also reserves the
right to review, edit and/or reject articles
for reasons of content, quality, length or
post-deadline submission. All editorial
contributions will be published in English.
Submissions to the EK Magazine should be sent
to the Editor at [email protected]
4
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
about ecotourism kenya
About
Ecotourism Kenya
Ecotourism Kenya (EK), formerly known as Ecotourism Society of Kenya (ESOK),
was established in 1996 as a tourism association to promote ecotourism
knowledge and best practices in Kenya. EK is an affiliate member of the Kenya
Tourism Federation (KTF), the Federation of Community Tourism Organisations
(FECTO) and the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) Kenya.
Ecotourism Kenya defines the term
‘ecotourism’ as: “the involvement
of travelers, tourism operators and
stakeholders in supporting natural and
cultural conservation values linked to local
communities through equitable sharing
of social and economic benefits accrued
from tourism activities at local destinations.
As a membership organization, EK
brings together individuals, Community
Based Organizations (CBOs) and tourism
businesses in a forum to learn about
the ecotourism standard and ways of
incorporating the standard into tourism
businesses, conservation initiatives, and
community development. The Organization
has 5 main advisory sub-committees that
offer support to the Management Board
and technical advice to the Secretariat in
conducting the Organization’s mandate.
These sub-committees are:
•
•
•
•
•
Community Outreach Program
Committee;
Ecorating Committee;
PR and Marketing Committee;
Fundraising Committee, and;
Advocacy Committee.
Ecotourism Kenya is guided by the
following principles:
Vision: To be a leader in the knowledge
and practice of ecotourism
Mission: To effectively link tourism,
communities and conservation for
sustainable tourism development in Kenya
Goal: To promote tourism practices that
will conserve Kenya’s natural environment
and improve livelihoods of associated
communities.
Value Statement: At Ecotourism Kenya,
we promote sustainable utilization of
resources for sustained livelihoods. Our
policy is to ensure incorporation of sound
environmental and social practices in new
and existing tourism enterprises. We seek to
increase recognition of environmental and
social issues in the development of tourism in
Kenya and in all works that we undertake. We
do this by putting emphasis on:
• Respect for the environment
• Respect for local people and their cultures
• Equitable sharing of responsibilities and
benefits
message from the editor
Message
from the
editor
This edition of Naturals
magazine is dedicated
to the 6th Annual EcoWarriors Awards organized
by Ecotourism Kenya.
Message
from the
Chair
The Awards testify that
Kenya’s tourism sector is an
important contributor to
the conservation of natural
resources, maintenance
of biological diversity and
propagation of healthy
ecological systems.
However, the Awards only
tell a small part of the
big story. The number of
tourism operations in Kenya,
including hoteliers, tourism
development agencies and
tourist destination managers,
either initiating or supporting
conservation efforts, is
growing rapidly countrywide.
Each tourism operation has a
unique approach, interest and
success story to share.
Sooner than later,
tourism will become a
formidable conservation
force in the country. The
involvement of travelers,
tour operators and tourism
In the past few months,
Ecotourism Kenya has
attended and participated in
many events, conferences,
workshops and colloquiums
on tourism and different
aspects of the conservation
agenda. This has been to
promote our organization’s
ecotourism philosophy that
tourism is an important
driver of nature and cultural
conservation for sustaining
tourism while addressing
the socio-economic welfare
of local communities at
destinations.
The term ‘ecotourism’ is
still much misunderstood.
Contrary to the beliefs of
many, ecotourism is not
a type of tourism but a
standard applicable to any
legitimate type of tourism. Of
accommodation facilities in
nature conservation through
business policy, corporate
social responsibility or supply
chain management systems
is what defines the essence
of ecotourism. The time
has now come to develop a
comprehensive ecotourism
standard for Kenya as part of
the national tourism strategy
proposed under the new
Tourism Act. The ecotourism
standard is applicable to all
types of tourism.
The recent choice by The
International Ecotourism
Society (TIES) to hold the
2013 International Ecotourism
and Sustainable Tourism
Conference (ESTC) in Kenya
confirms that Kenya is
evidently a global leader in
the knowledge and practice
of ecotourism. We hope to
display ecotourism at its
best to the world during the
conference.
course, notions usually take a
short time to enter and stick
in our minds but require long
periods to change thereafter.
Therefore, Ecotourism Kenya
is undertaking creative
efforts to change the minds
and consequently generate
the requisite support for
promoting ecotourism in
Kenya.
Naturals magazine is our
mouth piece for promoting
ecotourism principles and
practices. This edition
continues to highlight issues,
give success stories, publish
opinions, and display best
practices in Kenya. The
magazine is a minor but
effective means of providing
knowledge, sharing your
views and experiences,
sending messages and
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Lastly, Naturals Issue 3 has a
‘coastal feeling’ for two main
reasons. First, the Kenya coast
is a popular travel destination
for many local and foreign
tourists. Therefore, some
ecotourism knowledge and
interest suffice. Secondly, the
coast has many opportunities
and is a very high potential
region for developing
successful ecotourism-based
tourism enterprises and
investments.
As always, please send us
your comments, suggestions
and contributions to share
experiences and ideas
concerning ecotourism in
Kenya. On behalf of the
editorial team and Ecotourism
Kenya, I wish all readers an
enjoyable festive season,
Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year 2013.
Kahindi Lekalhaile,
Editor
advertising opportunities for
propagating ecotourism in
Kenya.
In addition, Naturals Issue
3 focuses on the Kenyan
coast by giving a glimpse or
tip of the whole ecotourism
story. I am sure the coast
will continue to feature in
Naturals magazine for a long
time. Meanwhile, I encourage
you to utilize the magazine
in the best way possible by
contributing your stories
about ecotourism-oriented
activities.
As the year closes, I wish you
the best in your endeavors
during the forthcoming
holiday season and a
prosperous 2013.
Andrew Muigai,
Chairman
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Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
ecotourism issue
By Christina Aarts
Lamu cultural festival
Discovering
Lamu
About Lamu
Lamu is a region rich in ecological
and cultural diversity, which has
allowed it to be recognized as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lamu
has two national reserves namely
Dodori and Kiunga National Reserves.
Dodori reserve established in 1976
is a breeding ground for the East
Lamu Topi antelope, and consists of a
variety of mammals (including lions,
elephant shrew, hippo, pelicans,
and birdlife). It has the most varied
species of mangrove species in Kenya
at Dodori Creek. Kiunga Marine
Reserve consists of several islands rich
with biodiversity including valuable
coral reefs, sea grass, extensive
mangrove forests, and the endangered
sea turtles and dugongs.
The prestigious Lamu has unspoiled
beaches, magnificent architecture
and a gracious human population.
The local traditions are intertwined on
the enchanted island where history
continues to live making it one of the
most important Swahili towns in the
world. Lamu life is peaceful, slowpaced and a hotspot for boat building,
trade, mangrove exports; Swahili style
furniture, woodcarving, Taarab Music,
spectacular coastal weddings, and
so many rich traditions forming an
experience of a lifetime.
Long days spent strolling along the
waterfront, exploring the town or
relaxing on the beaches offers visitors
a great relaxing walk experience.
Donkey rides especially in the narrow
streets of Lamu town are a common
but exciting practice owing to lack
of cars in Lamu. Dhow safaris can
take one beyond Lamu into the
surrounding archipelago, where
isolated villages, ancient ruins and a
few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie
hidden among the islands of Manda,
Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu. Wildlife
enthusiasts get a chance to explore
wildlife at the arid mainland opposite
Lamu where there is a surprising
abundance of wildlife in the Dodori
Reserve, including Buffalo, Lion and
Leopard. The mangrove channels
offers great site for bird watching and
crocodile spotting. Turtle hatching,
snorkeling of the reefs and kayaking
are other exciting activities to enjoy.
The Lamu Cultural Festival is an
annual event, held in November
and dedicated to celebrating,
promoting and preserving the
unique Swahili culture of the
Lamu Archipelago. The Cultural
Festival promotes the value of
local traditions and customs,
strengthens community values
and provides an opportunity to
celebrate the beauty and heritage of this unique and historical
part of the Northern Coast of Kenya. This year’s marks the 12th
edition of the festival, which will
take place on the 15th - 18th
of November2012. Organized
by the Lamu Cultural Promotion
Group, the 3 days event will be a
showcase of traditional dances,
displays of handicraft and
competitions on water and land
(Swahili poetry, donkey races
and dhow races, henna painting), Swahili bridal ceremony
and musical performances.
Maulidi festival
Maulidi is an Islamic festival
held during the third month of
the Muslim calendar, between
February and April, to celebrate
the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. The festival fuses culture
with religion and in Lamu it is
cause for great celebration with
music, dance, and traditional
sword fights in public squares,
processions and Swahili feasts,
and colorful performance of
dancers and musicians from
various ethnic groups.
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Subira House, an
ecotourism showcase
in Lamu
Located in the middle of the historic
town of old Lamu, Subira house
is an Arab style building with two
open courtyards, pretty arches and
two beautiful gardens with well-dug
water. Derived from the Swahili word
’subira’ meaning ‘patience’ or ‘to
enjoy waiting in peace’, the 200 years
old, former LIWALI´s house (governor
under the Sultan of Zanzibar) offers
an exceptional experience. This house
was acquired in a deplorable state in
1991 by Christina and Paul Aarts who
slowly restored and extended it until
it was licensed as a hotel in 2006.
Currently, Subira house has seven
elegant bedrooms and many galleries
where one can relax in the warm
winds.
SH business is an ecotourism
model that strives to conserve the
environment and the wellbeing of
local people while contributing
actively to conservation of Lamu’s
exceptional nature and culture
resource values. As a tourism
accommodation facility, SH has a
very small environmental footprint
due to its rigorous solid and effluent
waste management, energy and
water conservation practices done
with due respect for the historical
and strong ecological aspects of
the area. Rainwater is harvested for
watering garden plants while well-
dug water is used for washing and
cleaning. The hotel does not have a
swimming pool. Waterless toilets such
as ECO-SAN Separett save on water
whereby the resulting urine is used as
a natural fertilizer and the fecal matter
is composted. Subira has embarked
on selling handmade straw baskets to
diminish the use of plastic bags and
has a profitable plastic bag-recycling
project. Old recycled and local
materials are used to make furniture,
including use of wood from mango
and pine trees to make beds and cup
boards rather than seeking hard wood.
Walls are painted with self-made egg
tempera and self made bees wax for
treatment of the lime plastered walls.
In order to conserve energy, 95% of
all lamps at Subira are low energy and
low watts while sensor and solar lamps
are used for lighting. Organic farming
is practised grow organic herbs and
vegetables. The local community
benefits through purchasing of their
handicrafts’ and artifacts and also
through employment which has
helped in raising their livelihoods.
In order to promote collaborative
resource management with the local
community, Subira house is a member
of the LAMU SAFI waste management
organization and arranges fund raising
events to support two small youth
groups who work in cleaning of the
beach and town. Subira also plants
flowering trees in the neighboring
fort garden and have paved the small
streets and the staircase to the market.
A visit to Subira gives guests
an authentic experience of
Lamu town. Lamu has a
high tourism potential which
if responsibly explored and
developed can be a major
milestone in improving the
livelihood of the local people
while protecting the environment. Subira house is a
classic showcase for responsible and sustainable tourism
through incorporating the
ecotourism standard in tourism operations
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Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
commendable commitment
By Victoria Nyamunga
Amboseli
Big but gentle.
The Ecotourism model of
Serena Lodge
The Amboseli National Park and its environs have lost
large areas of tree cover over the years. Amboseli
Serena’s tree planting initiative involving guests,
staff and surrounding communities, has planted over
200,000 tree seedlings within the park and more than 2
million in the surrounding community lands. Each guest
participant gets a certificate after planting a tree.
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Ecotourism
enterprise of
the year award
winner 2011
Visit Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
and yours will be an ecotourism story
to tell. The facility has 92 luxury
rooms. The travel aspect is awesome;
Amboseli National Park is home to a
well-known Africa elephant society of
more than 1000 individuals monitored
daily since 1971. However, talking
about ecotourism is what makes
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge different
as a showcase for responsible and
sustainable tourism.
So what makes Amboseli Serena an
Ecotourism Enterprise?
Secret lies in the innovations for
responsible tourism and business
practices, among them being:
reforestation, environmental training,
waste management, industrial power
generation, water conservation,
and corporate social and wildlife
responsibility. Amboseli Serena Safari
Lodge has an active Corporate Social
Responsibility program that ensures a
competitive and market advantage for
the lodge as a leader in ecotourism
standards. The lodge is determined
to restore the conservation values of
Amboseli National Park and support
the conservation of water sources
like the Ngong’o Narok swamp and
reduce dust- which means less soil
erosion and clean air for all!
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is not
connected to the national electricity
grid and therefore has to generate
their own electricity mainly done
by diesel powered generators. In
an effort to reduce fuel usage and
noise and air pollution, an inverter
system supplements the existing
generators. The lodge is fitted with
water meters at key points to control
water usage. Garbage at the lodge
collected and separated at source, is
sent to professional garbage disposal
companies in Nairobi. Glasses and
plastics are recycled while nonrecyclable matter is disposed in
the most environmentally friendly
manner. Organic waste produces
compost for the flower gardens.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offers
environmental training to both staff
and the communities around the
lodge in a bid to create understanding
of the importance of environmental
conservation.
In appreciating the support of the
local people, Amboseli Serena recruits
most of its labor force from the nearby
communities, in addition to hiring
local dancers and animators. The
resident naturalist provides training to
all staff members on environmental
policies and practices. In promoting
the welfare of the local communities,
Amboseli Lodge supplies local
communities with clean drinking
water, free medical consultations,
ante-natal services and subsidized
medication through an on-site
medical clinic.
Guests at Amboseli Serena get an
intimate feeling of the local Masai
culture during their stay at the facility.
The adornments of the Masai people
are conspicuous in the interior décor,
room outlaying, furniture designs and
other wall displays. Apart from the
numerous CSR initiatives supporting
water, health and education needs,
Amboseli Serena shares tourism
benefits with local communities
through providing local people the
first priority in any job and trading
opportunities at the lodge. The
ecotourism standard strives to
conserve exceptional natural and
cultural resource values through
involvement of travelers and local
people at the destination. Amboseli
Serena is a classical ecotourism
showcase in Kenya.
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Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE
By Njambi Muigai
Conserving the
ArabukoSokoke Forest
T
he Arabuko-Sokoke Forest in Kilifi County is the
largest indigenous coastal forest in Eastern and
Southern Africa, covering about 420 square
kilometers. The forest is a designated global Important Bird
Area (IBA) by Birdlife International as habitat for several rare
and endemic bird species including Amani sunbird, Clarke’s
weaver, Sokoke Pipit and the Sokoke Scops Owl.
The forest is a unique
elephant shrew, Sokoke
habitat comprised of
Bushy-tailed Mongoose,
three distinct forest
and Ader’s duiker, (Africa’s
vegetation types, as well
most endangered anteas several seasonal water
lope) thrive in the forest.
pools, with over 600
Four species of butterflies
plant species, 52 mamare endemic to Arabukomal species, over 230
Sokoke Forest.
bird species, 250 speIn spite of its global
cies of butterflies and 79
significance as a biodiveramphibian species. About
sity hotspot, the forest
90% of the world populafaces immense
tions of the semike
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threats from
So
ouk
endemic and enab
Ar
ry
the rapid huForest is a ve
dangered rodent
watching man populapopular bird
Golden- rumped
reby
hotspot whe
come to
enthusiasts
the rare
e
se
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an
find
Clarke’s
.
i.e
endemics
ke
weaver, Soko
koke
So
e
th
d
Pipit an
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w
O
Scops
tion increase, agricultural expansion, charcoal
burning, and an increasing
demand for wood carving
and timber products. Populations of the extremely
rare and globally threatened Ader’s duiker antelope and elephant shrew
are also being threatened
by rampant subsistence
bush meat hunting in the
forest.
Being a gazetted forest
reserve, Kenya Forest
Service (KFS) recently
joined their counterparts,
Kenya Wildlife Service) to
establish several intensive
forest management initiatives including collaborations with local communities living adjacent to the
unique forest under the
PFM (participatory Forest
Management) Framework. The interventions
are meant to halt forest
encroachment by squatters and small-scale farms,
eliminate charcoal burning
and illegal forest logging,
control bush meat poaching and reduce humanwildlife conflict caused by
elephants, baboons and
monkeys.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is
a very popular bird watching hotspot whereby
enthusiasts come to find
and see the rare endemics
i.e. Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke Pipit and the Sokoke
Scops Owl. Two platforms
provide a perfect place to
observe birds and other
animals. The Forest has a
visitor information centre
in Gede town and a 4
kilometers nature trail.
Apart from hiking, visitors
can take bicycle tours and
camping in the various
sites within the forest.
Lastly, visitor experiences
are enriched by services
of trained guides from the
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Guide Association. In addition, the Arabuko Sokoke
Forest Adjacent Dwellers
Association, an umbrella association for over 140,000
people living in about 54
villages around the forest,
has established community
tourist bandas designed
in a traditional Mijikenda
architecture and a Swahili
House. Income generated
from the banda lodge is
channeled toward social
welfare and development
projects for communities
living adjacent to the forest.
The ASSETS smart
conservation
Approach
The Arabuko-Sokoke
Schools and Eco-Tourism
Scheme (ASSETS) is an
initiative of A-Rocha, an
international Christian
conservation organization.
The approach entails
providing high school
scholarships to students
from poor families in
communities around the
forest. In turn the students
and their families engage
in on-going re-afforestion
programs around the
forest and on their farms.
This approach has
enhanced the collaboration
efforts between the forest
service and dwellers under
the participatory forest
management framework.
ASSETS operates two
ecotourism enterprises i.e.
the Mida Creek Bird Hide
and the Arabuko Swamp
Tree Platform, which raise
incomes for supporting the
scholarships and create
jobs for local people.
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
gins
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Real
...
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outside the
Camp Tsavo
Study Field Centre
Activities include:
Contact us
Contact us for more
information about how your
school could get involved:
T:
E:
+ 254 (0)733 604 422
[email protected]
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Community Service
Wildlife Conservation
Research
Bush Craft Skills
Team Building
Outdoor Trekking & Hiking
Environmental Education
Tailormadeprogramstofitcurriculum
based requirements.
Association of
International
Schools in
Africa
Associate Member
Visit us online: www.campsinternational.com
11
12
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
October
ecotourism kenya at a glance
23rd, Nairobi.
Women In Tourism International
Alliance Conference: Ecotourism
Kenya participated in the WITIA Conference as the guest of honor in remembrance of the late
Nobel Laurette Professor Wangari Mathai at Karura Forest
in Nairobi.
19th, Diani Beach, Ukunda South Coast.
Colobus Conservation: Ecotourism Kenya was the guest
of honour at the re-launch of Colobus Conservation, formerly known as the Colobus Trust, an organization promoting the conservation of the threatened Angolon Colobus
Monkey in Kenya.
3rd to 5th 2012. Kampala, Uganda.
Sustainable Tourism Masterplan for IGAD Region.
Ecotourism Kenya attended the second meeting of experts
to validate the draft Sustainable Tourism Masterplan for IGAD
region, organized by the United National Economic Commission for Africa (UNIECA). The framework will serve to
promote the region under the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Development as a single tourism destination,
while promoting national and regional sustainable tourism
amongst IGAD member states, including: Uganda, Kenya,
Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia.
9th, Nairobi
AMREF Flying Doctors Launch NEW ALS Ground
Ambulance. Ecotourism Kenya attended the launch of
AMREF Flying Doctors’ new state of the art Advanced Life
Support (ALS) Ambulance. The new state-of-the-art Ground
Ambulance is expected to boost its road ambulance and
airport/hospital transfer services. AMREF Flying Doctors offer
the Maisha Tourist Plans for Individual and Group Tourists.
2nd, Nairobi
Kenya’s Natural Capital, Ecotourism Kenya attended the
Natural Capital Breakfast meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
to share the findings, challenges and get feedback from key
stakeholders on the Natural Capital Project. The project was
initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR) with support from DANIDA to compile the national
capital of Kenya to enhance conservation and sustainable
utilization of the country’s wealth of natural resources and
contribute to poverty alleviation and human well-being.
3rd, Nairobi
Export Coaching Programme. Jan Wigsten, an expert
from Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing
countries (CBI) visited Ecotourism Kenya to seek collaboration with EK on promoting its Export Coaching Programme
(ECP) as a continuation of Tour Operators Sustainability
Training held in May 2011. This collaboration would assist in
kenya
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facilitating a more and better tourism trade from EU/EFTA
countries to Kenya.
September
27th, Nairobi
Research on Impact of fibre optic
internet on businesses in Kenya
and Rwanda. EK participated as a
respondent on in an ongoing research
project looking at the impact of fibre optic internet on businesses in Kenya and Rwanda. The project is funded by ESRC
and DFID and is in partnership with the University of Oxford
and the National University of Rwanda.
17th, Nairobi
LMP Program student internship enrolment. The fifth
intake of students under the auspices of the Leadership and
Mentorship Program enrolled 35 college students for industrial attachment between September 2012 and November
2012. The students began their 12-week internship on 17th
September 2012 and were placed in various organizations
around the country.
15th, Mulot, Bomet
Mara Open day: Ecotourism Kenya attended the Inaugu-
ral Mara Day Celebrations in Mulot, Bomet County. Event
was graced by Hon. Musa Sirma and the main objective of
the celebration was to raise awareness on the threats and
investment opportunities at the Mara River Basin ecosystem
and further bring together stakeholder to expedite on the opportunities for collaboration in Mara River Basin. Next year’s
celebrations will be held in Tanzania.
6th, Nairobi
50 Treasures of Kenya 1st Year Anniversary. Ecotour-
ism Kenya, attended the 50 Treasures of Kenya Trust 1st Anniversary on 6th September 2012, at the Calabash restaurant
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
in Karen. The event provided a quick glimpse of the Trust’s
one year journey, their successes, challenges and future plans
in promoting sustainable tourism in Kenya.
4th, Nairobi
Indigenous and Community Conserved Area (ICCA)
Planning Meeting. Ecotourism Kenya hosted an ICCA
meeting on 4th September at the Ecotourism Kenya offices to
discuss the strategic plan and activities of the ICCA network
in Kenya. The ICCA Kenya network aims to promote the values
and welfare of existing sites in Kenya in collaboration with
local custodians and relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations.
August
22nd to 23rd, Nairobi
COMESA sustainable tourism development forum. EK
attended the first COMESA sustainable tourism development
forum entitled: ‘Shaping the future of tourism in the region’.
During the meeting, EK chaired the session on: ‘Sustainable
tourism: prioritizing the tourism industry to ensure corporate
and environmental responsibility for community development’. The meeting was attended by delegates from all the 19
COMESA member states, and various experts and tourism professionals from different parts of Africa. The meeting dwelled
on the framework which will serve as a basis for developing a
regional tourism strategy and policy for the COMESA region.
23rd, Nairobi
National forum on Formation of a National Association for Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya. EK attended
2nd, Loitokitok
Tourism Operators Consultative
Meeting on the Amboseli Crisis:
Ecotourism Kenya held a meeting, on behalf of the Kenya
Tourism Federation (KTF), of all tourism operators in Amboseli
National Park and the surrounding community group ranches
to review the key issues linked to the recent human wildlife
flare ups between local people and Kenya Wildlife Service
(KWS). EK will continue engaging the tourism stakeholders
through the Amboseli Tourism Forum.
7th August, Nairobi
KBC ‘Mazingira’ program: The Kiswahili radio station
(Radio Taifa) of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)
featured EK interviews in its ‘Mazingira’ program aired 4
times during the week of 7th August to 11th August 2012.
The interviews with EK were about applying ecotourism best
practices in promoting harmonious co-existence between local people and wildlife while generating substantial benefits
from tourism.
9th, Nation Television
NTV primetime news on Human- Wildlife Conflict.
Ecotourism Kenya was invited by Nation Television to express
an expert opinion on the escalation of human-wildlife
conflicts situation in the country. Community-initiated Conservancies were highlighted as best ecotourism models to
mitigate Human - Wildlife Conflict.
20th, Nairobi
Annual Children’s Camp on Environment. Ecotourism
Kenya attended the Annual Children’s Camp on Environment
organized by Juhudi Club Children at Nairobi School. The EK
representatives held a discussion session with the participants aged between 10 and 14 years old about the importance of promoting responsible tourism in Kenya.
a national forum organized by Kenya Wildlife Service, The
Nature Conservancy and World Wide Fund for Nature (Kenya
Office) at the Panafric Hotel in Nairobi. The forum was organized to review concepts, frameworks and proposals for the
formation of a national association of wildlife conservancies
in Kenya.
21st, 23rd, Nairobi
Research Surveys in Tourism. Ms. Rachel Noble from
Tourism Concern (UK) called on EK to gather perceptions and
perspectives on human rights issues related to tourism in
Kenya. The interviews focused on child labor, gender mainstreaming in the tourism job market, and tourism benefit
sharing initiatives with local people. Also, Susan O’Meara from
the Aga Khan University visited EK to collect views about the
proposed Graduate School of Leisure and Hospitality Management to be inaugurated by the university within the next 24
months. The survey is focused on identifying critical needs
and gaps in leisure and hospitality management that the
proposed graduate school could address.
July
25th to 28th July, Karatina
First International Conference
on Natural Resources. EK at-
tended the first international conference on natural resources entitled: ‘Natural resources, conflict
and peace’ held at Karatina University College. Ecotourism Kenya gave a keynote presentation entitled: ‘The potential role
of ecotourism in resolving conflicts linked to natural resource
utilization in Kenya.’
13
14
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
opinion
By Hadija Ernst, editor Chonjo magazine, Lamu
Landmark economic
project not appealing to
sustainability
’’Exotic Lamu” “go back in time in Lamu” and “no cars in Lamu” are some
of the slogans pitched in tourism circles to bring visitors to Lamu Island.
These pithy phrases are titillating to guests who want to experience authentic centuries-old Swahili culture and at the same time have pristine
beaches and the Indian Ocean at their door. Lamu provides a rich and multi-layered history, unique architectural features of houses, mosques and a thriving traditional handicraft scene including boatbuilding, woodcarving, henna painting and unique calligraphy.
However, all of Lamu’s romance and
visitor’s nostalgia for time’s past is
about to be jarred into the 21st century.
The government of Kenya has launched
a huge infrastructure and port project
in Lamu known as LAPSSET (Lamu
Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport
corridor). Expected to cost a whopping
US$ 24 billion, the launch was a redcarpet affair attended by the president
of Kenya and his South Sudanese and
Ethiopian counterparts, Salva Kiir and
the late Meles Zenawi respectively.
The LAPSSET project includes an oil
refinery, pipelines from South Sudan,
transportation hubs for rail, road and
air, and a mega port for oil tankers, plus
a number of tourist resort cities along
its path and Lamu is the portal of the
entire project.
fisher folk and farmers, the Sanye and
Aweer are hunters and gatherers. Their
livelihoods and cultural existence are
at stake with the government’s plan to
build a mega port and transport corridor linking Lamu to South Sudan and
Ethiopia.
Clearly, there are environmental and
social concerns about the LAPSSET
project, particularly in light of the
global push to initiate sustainable
development projects. UNESCO lists
Lamu as a World Heritage Site. The
medieval stone town is the home of
Swahili culture and architecture. Its
rich history linked to the Indian Ocean
trade-world connecting China, India
and the Arab Peninsula from as early
as the 9th century. Early stone ruins of
Swahili towns dot the area under the
care of the National Museums of Kenya.
Nearby, a marine reserve protects the
islands dotting the Lamu Archipelago
teeming with coral and mangrove and
home to endangered marine animals
like sea turtles and dugongs. Lamu
County is home to five indigenous ethnic groups: Sanye, Aweer, Bajun, Swahili
and Orma, who utilize natural resources
for survival. Traditionally the Orma
are pastoralists, Bajun and Swahili are
Many locals believe that the port project
will obliterate their culture heritage and
certainly their livelihoods of fishing,
boatbuilding, herding and tourism. At
the latest World Heritage Committee
Meeting in St Petersburg, in June 2012,
Kenya’s LAPSSET project and its effects
on Lamu was discussed. The committee
recommended that the Kenya government halt the project until an Environmental and Historical Impact Assessment report was provided to UNESCO.
This is due to the potential influx of
population likely to disrupt the livelihood of the indigenous community and
impact on the status of Lamu as a world
heritage site. LAPSSET is clearly disregarding the concept of ‘sustainable’ for
the more favored ‘development,’ which
is a mistake for all.
1 B. Ahn, in the journal “Tourism Management” describes the link between
sustainable development and tourism as one in which both sectors are concerned
with the need to maintain natural resources for present and future generations,
to emphasize values associated with culture and community, and to provide for
social justice and fairness, and a strong orientation towards stability.
a dish to die for
By Yusra Hassan Ali
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Tamarind
drink
About tamarinds
Tamarind is a soft brown fruit
in a brittle pod obtained from
the tamarind tree also known
as Tamarindus indica. This is
a multipurpose tropical fruit
tree and in Kenya it is widely
naturalised and cultivated along
the coastal.
Tamarind drink has high
nutritional value with a low
water content but high protein,
carbohydrate and mineral value.
It is also rich in fibre and other
constituents include ash, calcium,
vitamin C and tartaric acid which
is a good antioxidant.
How to make
tamarind juice
Ingredients
•
•
•
•
2 cups tamarinds
1/4 cup sugar/honey
1 cups ice cubes
3 glasses water
Preparation
• Wash the tamarind fruits to
remove dirt
• Remove seed from the pods
and keep ready for boiling
• Pour two glasses of water in a
pan and let it boil
• Add the tamarinds to the
boiling water and let it boil in
low heat for 5 to 10 minutes
till its soaked and cooked
to give a thick dark brown
liquid(tangerine pulp)
• Strain the contents with a
strainer and let it cool for
some time
• Separately boil the sugar in
two glass of water
• Add the concentrate and to
the cooled pulp, alternatively
use honey and add to your
taste
• Add the ice cubes and mix for
30 seconds to chill.
• Serve into glasses and enjoy ENJOY!!!!!!!!!
15
16
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
ecotourism partners
By Jane Spilsbury
In the name of posterity
The beginnings of Watamu Marine Association
W
atamu village is a world famous tourist destination
in Kenya. The relatively small town is located
in Kilifi County about 120 kilometers north of
Mombasa City and 25 kilometers south of Malindi town along
the Kenya coast. Foreign tourists flock Watamu to bask in
the pristine and beautiful white sandy beaches. Watamu
has much to offer the visitor who can undertake water
sports and diving excursions to marvel at the expansive
coral garden on Mida Creek with rich marine life including
seven species of dolphin, migratory humpback whales, whale
sharks, rays and rare sea turtles. Over 75 excellent tourist
accommodation facilities exist in Watamu-Malindi area only.
In 2007, the Watamu community including various marine stakeholders
formed the Watamu Marine Association (WMA) as a non-profit making,
voluntary membership association
to preserve the natural beauty of
Watamu and its environs through
promoting sound environmental
management practices, conservation
education and responsible tourism
through various empowerment
initiatives. WMA currently has 30
registered member groups. WMA’s
main strengths include its membership who are proactive in providing
community support, including member hotels Hemingways Watamu,
and Turtle Bay Beach Club
To achieve its vision, WMA has
developed projects that address particular issues in the environment and
community at large. In March 2009
pursuant to a campaign against
unsustainable illegal commercial developments, WMA won a case at the
National Environment Tribunal that
it had filed against a property development company that intended
to build 26 holiday apartments and
villas on a 1.5-acre headland in the
protected Watamu Marine Reserve.
This victory has given Watamu and
other coastal communities hope and
confidence of challenging destructive and unwanted commercial
developments.
Support in 2009 from the World
Conservation Union (IUCN Netherlands) Ecosystems Grants Programme, enabled the startup of
WMA Community Waste Management and Recycling Project which
received funding to purchase waste
handling equipment and to employ
over 40 local youths and women
from the WMA community groups’
members to operate as waste collectors and recyclers. WMA’s aim is to
collaborate with other coastal waste
collection communities along the
Kenyan coast and to develop as a central coastal Waste Recycling Centre,
which will not only process marine
debris and plastic pollution, but will
also be a major tourist attraction, with
local artists creating crafts and arts.
From an ecotourism perspective,
IUCN and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has supported
WMA in developing eco-business and
sustainable tourism opportunities with
ST-EP the Sustainable Tourism for the
Elimination of Poverty project that is
running for two years. It focuses on
Watamu community members and
developing of business enterprises
such as low impact community tours
in the Mida Creek, and Watamu village providing cultural and nature
excursions using natural products.
As Watamu is a Kenyan hotspot for
dolphin and whale populations, WMA
is one of the lead partners of the Kenya Marine Mammal Network, which
includes Global Vision International’s
marine research project in the Kisite
-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Marine
and Fisheries Institute. This growing
and successful network undertakes
research and works closely with the
member organisations and fisher
groups in ensuring the protection
of dolphins and introducing good
practices during dolphin watching
tours as well as in sensitizing local
fishing groups and community based
boat operators on the importance and
value of dolphins in the marine ecosystem and as an eco-tourism asset.
WMA has extended this program to
include whales, as Watamu is a main
migratory route for the West Indian
Ocean Humpback Whale populations.
For more information about Watamu
Marine Association Projects, please see
http://www.watamu.biz/
destination
feature
By Ken Ombok
I
n one of the most serene environments of not only in Kenya or in East
Africa but the whole world we find
Turtle Bay Beach Club. The hotel got
its name from being located in an area
where sea turtles commonly breed on the
beaches of the bay. The adjacent nature
of the hotel to the ocean means that the
facility is in one of the Marine Protected
area in Kenya called Watamu Marine National Park (WMNP). The ten-acre piece of
land, along Mida Creek Road in Watamu,
which the hotel takes up, is therefore an
ecologically sensitive area that requires
proper and careful management. This
reality can be corroborated by the fact
that some of the species in the ocean, not
to mention the turtle, has been on the decline due to interference with the habitat
by human activities.
The tourist attractions in this region are
actually the site, the marine life and the
people. Decline to these aspects would
affect the tourism activity to a major
economic detriment of local people. Turtle
bay Beach Club being an environmental
conscious facility therefore has no choice
but to be in the forefront on conservational work. The challenge of getting fully
involved and how to bring on board the local community culminated into the setting
up of the hotel’s community and conservation office. The office has a mandate to
coordinate all the environmental matters
in the hotel, management of resources, as
well as promoting tourism benefit sharing
with the local community.
Like any other hotel, heating, air conditioning, pressure pumps, lighting and office
equipment are some of the outlet points for
energy consumption. It’s a fact that Turtle
bay consumes a significant amount of energy. This translates into huge bill which if not
controlled can overrun the operating costs.
Being aware of the scenario called for the
development of an energy management
plan. The plan involves insulation of all the
hot water pipes; installation of a solar water
heater; airing of the linens in sun; having
card key controlled air conditioners; block
occupancy. The plan also involves controlling the running time of pumps as well
as installing energy saving bulbs in every
corner which has tremendously helped in
the reduction of total energy consumption
by 41% per bed night.
A considerable amount of water is used by
turtle bay in areas such as pool and general
all smiles at
Turtle Bay
BEACH CLUB
17
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
cleaning. Turtle bay has a Ksh 5 M water
recycling plant that tap and recycle water
from most areas in the hotel and is used to
water the gardens. So far, a total of 3,250
M3 has been recycled between January
and October2012. In laundry, stickers are
displayed in all rooms requesting guests to
leave used towels on floor or else re-use
their towels which cut on laundry water.
Solid wastes from all departments are
separated into plastic, paper, glass and organics at source. Organic waste ends into
the compost pit while Malindi Municipal
Council collects the remainder for disposal. However, plastic waste is thereafter
supplied to a joint recycling initiative with
the Watamu Marine Association. The initiative entails a plastics material shredder for
all plastic wastes collected within the hotel
complex and the surrounding community
area. This project has created employment through collection of materials and
in the sale of shredded plastic chips, not
to mention the enhanced aesthetic beauty
value of Watamu by keeping it free of
plastics.
Turtle bay has a scholarship scheme for
supporting education expenses for local
bright children and is geared towards
engaging local people in nature conservation. Recipients are required to maintain
high academic credentials as well as
participate in conservation tree planting
around Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. Parents
learn about the importance of environmental conservation. In addition, the hotel organizes educational tours for students who
come over to get the real picture of the
hotel operation. Turtle Bay further supports
the health of the surrounding community
by sponsoring Timboni village clinic in
Watamu and organizing several medical camps and campaigns in the nearby
Kirepwe Island. A visit to Turtle Bay beach
club gives guests an authentic experience
of the Kenyan coastal environment and the
culture. This experience must be kept at all
cost and therefore guests are encouraged
to abide with ecotourism codes and are
invited for regular beach clean ups.
Turtle Bay Beach Club is the
first hotel to be awarded “Silver
Eco-rating” by Ecotourism
Kenya in recognition of their efforts to promote
sustainable tourism in Kenya.
18
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
partnerships
By Dr Cheryl Mvula & Photos by Tribal Voice Communications
Linking Tour Operators
and
T
Communities
ribal Voice Communications first began working with the Maasai
communities living around the world-famous Maasai Mara
National Reserve in 2006. It was triggered during a cultural
tour around a traditional Maasai homestead commonly known as a
“manyatta” in Maa language. It was evident that when you looked
beyond the smiling faces of the villagers and the tourists and got under
the skin of this tour, very little benefit from entry fees - amounting to
twenty US dollars per person and paid by the dozens of tourist vehicles
parked up in the village - was going to the Maasai. Over several long
months of studying this situation, the pieces of the jigsaw gradually
joined together and the picture that emerged was disturbing.
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Tour operators turned a
blind eye whilst their driver
guides pocketed the lion’s
share of the cash tourists
paid to visit manyattas –
and not only in the Maasai
Mara, but in Amboseli and
Samburu too. Over the next
6 months, with financial
backing from the UK’s Travel Foundation, the villages
in the pilot project area
of the Mara Triangle were
trained by Tribal Voice to
monitor their interactions
with tourists. This included
keeping daily tourism records – which tour operator
vehicles visited, how many
clients, how much did
they pay the elders, how
much was taken back by
the drivers and, crucially,
how much did the villages
retain? No-one could then
dispute the facts – a whopping 96% of all visitor tour
fees were being pocketed
by the driver guides, leaving
only a handful of Shillings
in the community. Research
showed that over $5 million
p.a. was leaking out of the
41 manyattas in the Maasai
Mara in this way.
When Tribal Voice and the
Maasai residents joined
hands to tackle this issue it
was not plain sailing. Those
who had been used to the
lion’s share worked hard to
disturb the implementation of the new cashless
ticketing system that was
launched, initially in the
Mara Triangle and later
on the Narok side of the
Mara and Northern Mara.
Winding forward 6 years,
the responsible tourism
landscape in the Maasai
Mara has changed beyond
the wildest of dreams.
The Mara Triangle Maasai
Villages Association has
spearheaded this change,
with 100% of the fees that
lodge-based clients pay to
visit the villages now being
retained by the Maasai
themselves. Leading the
responsible tourism agenda
forward in this area has
been Kichwa Tembo and
Bateleur Camps and Mara
Serena, all supporting the
new fair trade cashless
ticketing system for village
tours. In Northern Mara,
Mara Rianta village has also
been trading village tours
fairly with Karen Blixen
Camp for several years.
On the Narok side of the
Mara, 27 villages from the
Sekanani, Talek, Oloolamutia, Ololchura and Nkoilale
areas came together in
2008 to form the Maasai Mara Cultural Villages
Tourism Association and to
launch the cashless ticketing system with KATO as
their ticketing agent. Driver
guide intimidation of villagers and a lack of active support from many tour operators and lodges operating
in the Maasai Mara saw this
association’s membership
reduce in its first 6 months
from the initial 27 villages
to just 13. These 13 villages have stood firm ever
since and have grown even
stronger over the years, due
to the tremendous support
they have received from
those tour operators and
lodges, including Pollmans
Safaris, Mara Intrepids and
Vintage Safaris. The tireless
support of KATO, KWS,
SNV, ACC and local Chiefs
in backing and promoting
this initiative has also been
instrumental to its success.
The biggest triumph has
been the linking together
of Pollmans Safaris and
the Maasai tourism associations which gave the
villages a real confidence
boost at a time when it was
most needed.. Of the 3 million Shillings earned by the
Maasai Mara Cultural Villages Tourism Association
last year, KSh 2.5 million
came from Pollmans guests,
making Pollmans Safaris a
true pioneer of responsible
tourism in Kenya
Surely, this initiative has
stood the test of time and
the future looks brighter
for the Maasai people living
alongside wildlife in the
Maasai Mara. This is thanks
to the tourism and conservation organisations that
have stood alongside the
community and given their
support to the principles of
‘Fair Trade’ and responsible
tourism. The challenge
remains to further cement
this fair trade initiative with
other tour operators and
lodges in Kenya, and to
expand it to the remaining
villages in Northern Mara,
Amboseli and Samburu.
Dr Cheryl Mvula is the Founder and Director of Tribal Voice Communications, a UKbased Responsible Tourism Consultancy working to harness the power of tourism for
conservation and sustainable local development. www.tribal-voice.co.uk She also runs an
African Community Development Charity, the High Five Club. www.highfiveclub.co.uk
19
20
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
community conservation areas
Kuruwitu
Community Marine
Conservation Area
Restoring the Promise of the Sea’
Established in 2003, the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare
Association is a community-based marine conservation
area management initiative that brings together artisanal
fishermen and private beach residents to protect the fragile
reef and the diverse marine life at Kuruwitu. KCWA is the
first community-run marine initiative on the Indian Ocean
and has become a role model in grassroots conservation
and sustainability at the Kenya Coast.
T
he Kuruwitu-Vipingo marine
conservation area, situated on the
northern coast of Kenya, 35 kilometers from Mombasa City, is characterized
by sandy beaches, coral reefs, lagoons,
ancient coastal forests, cliffs, caves and
mangrove swamps. The lagoons are
important habitats and breeding grounds
for myriads of molluscs and crustaceans.
The unique mangrove swamp and coastal
forests are habitats to many mammals
and other wildlife including bush babies,
Sykes, blue and vervet monkeys, baboons,
sunis, monitor lizards, hedgehogs, owls,
genet cats and many other species of
birds and animals. The marine waters are
an important biodiversity hotspot with a
distinct coral reef ecosystem and diverse
surrounding area, which is home to many
species of endangered ornamental fish
and sea turtles.
KCWA promotes marine conservation and
protection of the natural resources in the
area to ensure sustainable management
of marine resources for the benefit of local
fishing community and environment. It
aims to enhance the understanding and
capacity support for the protection and
promotion of marine ecosystem for environmental, economic, social and cultural
benefits of the local community in the
Kuruwitu-Vipingo marine area.
KCWA has more than 250 members. In
2006, the KCWA set up the 2 km Com-
munity-managed Marine Conservation
Area at the Kinuni landing site where the
community imposed an initial 6 months
fishing moratorium. This resulted in
improvement of fish breeding and marine
resources regeneration characterized
by an increase of the fish population in
the other lading sites of Bureni, Vipingo,
Kuruwitu, Kijangwani and Mwanamia. It
Kuruwitu Marine conservation area
is a unique concept along Kenya’s
coast and provides a good learning
point for other local coastal
communities experiencing similar
fisheries depletion, and wishing to
conserve their seas and improve
their livelihood options.
also led to the return of turtles and rare
fish (including beautiful ornamental fish)
and generated interest among marine
researchers and tourists.
KCWA has held more than 50 sensitization and beach feedback meetings so
far. It continues to perform monthly
beach cleanup campaigns. About 10
turtle nesting sites are monitored closely
by the community and reported to the
Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Committee
(KESCOM) and the Watamu Turtle Watch,
whose core business is turtle conservation. Partnering with the East African
Wildlife Society and the Community
Development Trust Fund, the KCWA was
awarded a grant to develop a sustainable
tourism and fishing enterprise. The highest percentage of the money was used
to train project staff, purchase two large
fishing dhows, a glass bottom boat, and
to build the project’s hallmark, a beachside eco-lodge. In a community with an
unemployment rate of more than 75%,
the marine conservation stimulates the
local economy, creates jobs and reduces
poverty. The tourism component has
been generating income for the community and as awareness of the project
increases over time, the money spent
in the community by tourists will trickle
down to support other related income
generating activities such as entertainment. Through the Kuruwitu Conservation
and Welfare Association (KCWA), the local
community is involved in decision making
of the association on matters concerning
marine conservation and environmental
protection, tourism activities, distribution of socioeconomic benefits accrued,
cultural tourism at of Kuruwitu, Strategic
planning and management and ecotourism and sustainable development.
a guide’s eye
By Ann J. From Papamsili Safari Ltd
Kaya Kinondo
Sacred Forest of the Digo people
K
aya, is a singular word (‘Makaya’ in plural)
that means ‘a sacred home dwelling’ by
the Mijikenda people found along the East
African Coast. The Mijikenda people consist of 9
sub-tribes, namely: Digo, Giriama, Kauma, Chonyi,
Jibana, Kambe, Ribe, Rabai and Duruma. A Kaya is
a humble abode marked by sacred sites of worship and ritual offerings, and graveyards of the
Mijikenda people. The sacred sites are situated in
primary forests and governed by strict customary
laws. Hence, tree cutting, crop farming, timber or
firewood harvesting, hunting and mining is prohibited inside a Kaya. There are over 60 Makaya
in Kenya in Kwale, Kilifi and probably Tana River
Counties.
The majority of makaya
today stand as small
isolated patches of forest ranging in size from
2ha to 1000ha. Historically these forest patches
sheltered the Kaya villages which were set up
by the Mijikenda people.
Protection of makaya is
still deeply entrenched
in traditional Mijikenda
culture and their integrity
and sanctity are safeguarded by a council of
Kaya elders who employ a
system of taboos and traditional rules to protect
the forests.
local community and is
managed through a set of
traditional rules and regulations (taboos) enforced
by the council of elders.
It is the main Kaya for the
Digo-Mijikenda community. This indigenous sacred
forest has survived pressures from population
growth, poverty and tourist development because
of the cultural beliefs
of the Digo people who
have used the forest to
communicate with their
ancestral spirits through
worship and sacrificial
offerings.
Kaya Kinondo is a gazetted National Monument
under the National Museums Act and is located in
Diani Beach, south coast
of Kenya in Msambweni
District. The Kaya is
owned communally by the
Kaya kinondo has been
supported by various
partners and donors as a
strategy of strengthening
and enhancing their activities. In 2003, The Ford
Foundation through WWF
and the National Muse-
ums of Kenya granted the
group funds to start the
Kaya Kinondo Eco-Tourism
Project as a platform for
creating awareness to the
community on the needs
of conserving the kayas
and to initiate and test the
viability of ecotourism as a
means of linking conservation to tangible social and
economic benefits of local
communities. The funds
were directed towards
awareness creation meetings, capacity building
workshops, construction of the project visitor
center and office building,
and the initial marketing
activities. The project was
also awarded USD 6,000
through Coastal Forests
Conservation Unit by Elisabeth Jihde Memorial Fund
–WWF Sweden which was
used to purchase an eight
seated project van currently used to carry tourists to
the site. Papa Musili Safaris
Ltd. supports the project
by providing well-directed
excursions to create
awareness to clients on the
Digo’s culture, traditions
and their sacred forests.
Kaya Kinondo offer daily
guided walks to the sacred
forest and the traditional
villages where one gets to
enjoy the spectacular view
of trees, corals, lianas, and
interact with the community. The project supports
education facilities in three
village primary schools
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
through buying learning
materials and renovating
classrooms in addition to
digging two water wells
in the village. The project
also creates awareness on
conservation of the forest
and selling of handicrafts
as well as performing
traditional dances to tourists.
The local community
manages the area as their
social, communal and
ancestral ground where
elders perform ceremonies regularly. The local
community has a stake in
the conserved area and
supports the protection
of the site in collaboration
with the National Museums of Kenya. Kaya Kinondo has a high potential
for ecotourism.
21
22
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
policy & legislation
By Lilian Kagume
The Sustainable
Tourism act 2011
T
The tourism act bill was assented in September 2011
through an act of parliament. The act provides for the
development, management, marketing and regulation
of sustainable tourism and tourism-related activities and
services in Kenya. The Act clearly indicates the various
roles to be played by the various tourism sectors, lead
agencies and other stakeholders in order to implement
the New National Tourism Policy and help the Nation
realize its economic blueprint of Vision 2030.
he act provides for the
establishment of the national
tourism strategy which will
prescribe the principles,
objectives, procedure and incentives
for development, management and
marketing of sustainable tourism.
The tourism regulatory authority
developed have the mandate of
regulating tourism sector, provide
guidelines for sustainable tourism
and develop and implement
code of conduct for tourism. The
authority shall also handle matters
relating to licensing, regulation and
standardization matters
The Act also provides for the setting
up of Tourism Protection Service and
Kenya Tourism Board. The Tourism
Protection Service will handle the
safety and security of both the visitors
and the hosts in close consultation with
the lead government security agencies
and stakeholders. The role of the
board is to market Kenya as a tourism
destination through development,
implementation and coordination
of the national tourism marketing
strategy.
Kenyatta International Convention
Centre (formerly KICC), a body
corporate, will spearhead the
promotion of the business of Meetings,
Incentives, conferences and Exhibitions
(MICE) as a specialized niche tourism
segment able to spur great economic
development in the country through
sustainable tourism. To cater for
research needs, tourism research and
monitoring mechanisms shall be set.
These shall undertake and coordinate
research and analysis on tourism
products and services, trends, processes
and activities likely to improve on
sustainable tourism.
Financial bodies set under the
Act including the Tourism Fund
(formerly CTDLT) and Tourism Finance
Corporation (formerly KTDC) will cater
for financial needs of sustainable
tourism. The tourism fund aims at
financing development of tourism
products and services, marketing
tourism and financing tourists’
protection service. This shall also
advocate for resource mobilization
to support Tourism Sector activities.
The Tourism Finance Corporation will
be providing assistance to investors
and entrepreneurs in tourism sector,
institutions, small and medium tourism
enterprises and community based
enterprises for the development,
expansion and maintenance of
tourism activities and services. The
policy direction, strategy and overall
coordination in the sector is bestowed
upon a strengthened Directorate of
Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism. The
Effective implementation
of this act is likely to attract
more investors in creation of
sustainable tourism enterprises
which will not only contribute
to economic development
but also to conservation
and meaningful community
engagement.
act advocates for involvement of the
local communities in tourism matters
in order to spread tourism benefits
through their active involvement.
Training and capacity building for the
sector will be spearheaded by Utalii
College.
Under the Act, sustainable tourism is
defined as tourism development that
meets the needs of present visitors and
hosts while protecting and enhancing
opportunities for the future. However,
the Act does not specifically identify
ecotourism a driver for sustainable
tourism. Ecotourism is a more desired
concept that links conservation and
tourism to the communities practicing
it. Realizing the importance of
ecotourism to sustainable tourism
growth in Kenya, there is a need to
streamline the ecotourism standard
with the new Act. Legislation provided
in the act stipulates rules and
regulations that guide sustainable
tourism. The code of conduct outlined
creates quality standards to be followed
in achieving sustainable tourism. The
act also addresses need for tourism
research which will address sustainable
tourism opportunities and trends,
marketing and conservation needs.
Prohibition and offences measures will
cut on pollution further enhancing
conservation.
eco-warrior awards
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
The 6th
Eco-Warriors
Awards 2012
Date: 16th November 2012, 6.30am to 9.30pm
Venue: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Theme: Celebrating innovation and leadership in responsible tourism
Guest of Honor: Professor Geoffry Wahungu, Director-General, National Environment Management Authority
T
he Eco-Warrior Awards Scheme recognizes
the efforts, innovations and exceptional
achievements that promote responsible
tourism and enhance tourism sustainability
directed at environmental conservation linked to
local communities through mutually beneficial
and equitable partnerships.
Over 70 tourism enterprises and stakeholders
applied for nomination and appointment of
winners of the 15 awards during the 6th edition of
the Awards held in 2012. Each applicant exhibited
unique, exceptional and remarkable achievements
worthy of the Awards. However, only a handful
of applicants were selected using the rigorous
nomination criteria.
The following is the full list of nominees for the
judges to decide on the eventual winners of the 15
Eco-Warrior Awards for presentation during the
Awards Gala ceremony at Nairobi Serena Hotel:
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24
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Nominees
FOR ECO-WARRIOR AWARDS 2012
1. Conservancy of the Year 2012 – Private
a) Ol Pejeta
2. Conservancy of the Year 2012 – Community
a)Naboisho
b) Empaash Oloirienito Conservancy
c) Ol Kinyei
3. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Lodge
a) Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
b) Serena Mountain Lodge
c) Turtle Bay
4. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Tented Camp
a) Karen Blixen Camps
b) Cottar’s 1920’s Maasai Mara Camp
c) Ol Seki Hemingways
d) Joys Camp (C&P)
e) Gamewatchers Adventure Safaris Camps
5. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Villas/ Holiday homes
a) Forest Dream
b) Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha
6. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Community Based
a) Kaya Kinondo
b) Shimoni Slave Caves
7. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Tour operator
a) Kobo Safaris
b) Cheli and peacock
c) Pollman’s
8. Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year 2012 –
Airline
a)Safarilink
b) Air Kenya
9. Eco-Rated Facility of the Year 2012
a)Sasaab
b) Sarova Mara Game Camp
c) Sanctuary Olonana
d) Serena Mountain Lodge e) Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
f) Forest Dream
g) Basecamp Explorer
h) Turtle Bay
i) Porini Amboseli Camp
j) Elephant Pepper Camp
10. Ecotourism Partnership of the Year 2012
a) Sasaab Lodge Samburu/Donors and
Community Groups
b) Ol Pejeta/ donors/community
c) Kicheche Camps/Mara North Conservancy/
Obel Foundation and Yann foundation
d) Basecamp Foundation/ Basecamp Maasai
Brand
e) Turtle Bay/donors/WTM and Community
f) Cheli & Peacock/North Range Trust (NRT) g) Selenkay Conservancy
11. Ecotourism Guide of the Year 2012
a) Andrew Obaga - Kicheche Camp
b) Joseph Lekitony Ole Koyie - Olonana
Sanctuary
c) Tilas Lekango – Samburu Intrepids Camp,
Samburu
d) Stephen Lekatoo – Voyager Ziwani Safari
Camp, Taveta
e) Daniel Kilonzo – Great Rift Valley Lodge,
Naivasha
12. Ecotourism Journalist of the Year 2012
a) Carol Gatura - CCTV
b) Abby Agina - NTV
c) Mutegi - People Newspaper
13. Ecotourism Student Innovation Award 2012
a) David Okul – Karen Blixen
b) Matayo Mwenesi
c) B. Oyaro – Egerton Students team
14. Ecotourism Training Program of the Year
2012
a) Kenyatta University
b) Amboseli Institute 15. Ecotourism Student Host Organization of
the Year 2012
a) Lake Victoria Sunset Birders (LVSB)
b) Mlilo Ecotours
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Venue Sponsor
Award Sponsors:
Raffle Sponsors:
25
26
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Join the
ecotourism
Spirit
tool for economic
Ecotourism has been hailed as a
l protection through funding
development and environmenta
ch, protecting fragile
conservation and scientific resear
ng rural communities,
and pristine ecosystems, benefiti
countries, enhancing
promoting development in poor
, instilling environmental
ecological and cultural diversity
ce in the travel industry.
awareness and a social conscien
How do I join Ecotourism Kenya?
To apply, complete the membership application form herein
and send it to Ecotourism Kenya with your payment. Corporate
organizations need to complete
a detailed Membership Application Form which can be
downloaded from the website or collected from our office.
What obligation do members of
Ecotourism Kenya have?
All members of Ecotourism Kenya have a responsibility to
protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment
in the areas where they operate. Joining Ecotourism Kenya
implies that an one has undertaken to be proactive and
innovative in environmental programmes; to minimize
waste and pollution of natural resources; to safely dispose
of all wastes generated without injury to the environment;
to participate in the management of the natural areas
where one operates; to comply with relevant environmental
legislation; to educate visitors about the natural areas and
local cultures; to observe The Kenya Safari Code and The Coast
Code; to actively participate in programs developed to promote
sustainable tourism, including voluntary certification; to have
clear environmental goals and develop programs to achieve
these goals; and, to develop effective linkages with local
communities.
Membership
Membership is open to all individuals, groups and organizations
that promote sustainable tourism in Kenya. This include
students, professionals, academic
institutions, tourism and conservation organizations,
government departments, tour operators, travel agents,
hoteliers, etc.
There are three categories of membership:
• Corporate - Ksh.10,000 a year (January to December)
• Community Based Organizations (CBOs) - Ksh.1,000 a year
• Individuals Professionals– Ksh.2,500 a year
• Individuals Students – Ksh.1,000 a year
Ecotourism Kenya Membership
Benefits
Joining Ecotourism Kenya provides you with an opportunity to:
• Monthly E-Newsletters
• Listing on EK Website for Corporate & CBOs
• Quarterly Naturals Magazine
• EK Membership Certificate or Card
• Free Access to Teaching and Training Resource
• Free Promotion through EK’s Publications for Corporate &
CBOs
• Full voting rights at the AGM
• Members Rate admission to EK Monthly Talks and Lectures
• Discounted Rates at EK Events: Annual Ecotourism
Conference & Eco-Warriors Gala Dinner
• Networking Opportunities
• Attachment and Internship Opportunities
• Use of EK Emblem
KATO place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. P.O Box 10146-00100 Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone: +254 020 2574059 Mobile: +254 0726366080 Fax: +254 20 2724755 Email: [email protected] www.ecotourismkenya.org
advertorial
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Welcome Newly Certified Tourist Accommodation Facilities in 2012
Welcome
Our New
Corporate
Members
Ecotourism Kenya is
proud to welcome
these new members
who recently joined
EK. We are proud to be
associated with you.
• Selective Safaris/
Albatros Travel
• Karibu Kenya Safaris
• Silverbird Travel Plus
Gold ecorated
facilities
• Campi ya Kanzi
• Sasaab
• Samburu
Silver ecorated facilities
• Elephant Watch Camp
• Kipungani Explorer Camp
• Kizingo Lodge
• Naivasha Sopa Lodge
• Ol Seki Hemingways Mara
Camp
• Porini Rhino Camp
• Rekero Camp
• Sarova Game Lodge
• Saruni Samburu
• Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
• Serena Beach Hotel and Spa
• Serena Mountain Lodge
• Siana Springs
• Sweetwater Tented Camp
• The Great Rift Valley Lodge
• Exploreans Mara Rianta
• Karen Blixen Camp
• Bateleur Camp
• Sarova Lion Hill
• Lake Elmenteita Serena
• Sarova Salt Lick
• Sarova Whitesands Beach
Resort & Spa
• Forest Dream Resort
• Rhino River Camp
• Banana House
Bronze ecorated facilities
• Amboseli Sopa
• Samburu Sopa Lodge
• Sunbird Lodge
• Keekorok Lodge
• Ol Moran Tented Camp
• Kichwa Tembo Camp
• Lake Naivasha Country Club
• JK Camp
• Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Ashnil Aruba
• Sarova Taita Hills
• Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa
• Pelican Lodge
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28
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
2013Ecotourism
Partnership and
Investment Forum
Aim:
to promote ecotourism
standards through
the development of
partnerships and
investment opportunities
in Kenya and beyond.
Theme:
“Forging Ecotourism
Investment Partnership
in Community Areas’’
Date:
12th to 13th
February 2013
Objective:
• To promote, develop and
integrate ecotourism
standards in tourism
investments and tourist
product/services development
in Kenya.
Venue:
Nairobi
Who to attend?
Tourism investment firms,
private and community
conservancies, tour operators,
hoteliers, camp operators,
community development
agencies, communitybased tourism enterprises,
government agencies, nongovernmental organizations,
marketing and consultancy
firms, the media and other
interested parties.
• To scope potential
ecotourism-based investment
opportunities in public,
private and community areas
throughout Kenya.
Activities:
Workshops and
exhibitions,
presentations,
business meetings
and plenary
sessions
• To create a forum and
network for exchanging
ideas and information for
promoting Kenya as a global
ecotourism destination.
For more details on the conference contact Ecotourism Kenya through email at
[email protected] or on cell 0726 366 080
29
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
Advertising rates 2013
Size
Placement
Cost in KShs.
Quarter Page (80mm x 115mm)
Inside pages
13,000
Half Page (170mm x 115mm)
Inside pages
22,000
Full Page (200mm x 270mm)
Inside pages
40,000
Full Page (200mm x 270mm)
Inside Front Cover
45,000
Full Page (200mm x 270mm)
Inside Back Cover
45,000
Half Page (200mm x 133mm)
Back Cover
30,000
Full Page (200mm x 270mm)
Back Cover
60,000
Classifieds (52mm x 74mm)
Classifieds
3,000
To place an advert in the upcoming issue, send your artwork in full color on
a CD saved as Tiff, EPS or JPEG with a minimum resolution of 300dpi and
accompanied by an actual size color proof in order to maintain color quality
standards. If your artwork is not supplied with the color proof, EK will not be
held responsible for color variation of any kind.
Booking and artwork submission deadline is:
First quarter- 28th February, 2nd quarter- 23rd May, 3rd quarter- 22nd August
and 4th- 21st November. Cancellations made after these dates will be subject
to 75% cancellation fee.
For further information contact: Grace Kenana on 0721 259637 or send email
to [email protected]
About EK Publications
Ecotourism
Kenya coast
guide and
ecotourism
Kenya guide:
Green Directory:
This is a publication
that showcases
producers or suppliers
of green products
or services. This
includes recycled
or 100% natural
materials, people or
facilities undertaking
environmental impact assessments
and audits or consultancy services for
tourism and environmental related
projects. Charges per listing are Ksh 250.
Coast
EK Naturals
magazine:
This is a quarterly
publication which
is the mouthpiece
on issues
affecting the
tourism industry
in areas relating
to ecotourism
and sustainable
tourism.
The guide profiles
EK members,
eco-rated tourism
accommodation
facilities and community based
organisations. EBook version can
be accessed at the EK’s website. EK
members are entitled to a free basic
listing in the guide.
S GUIDE
MEMBER
2012
6/25/12
11:58:39
AM
dd 1
EK Coast
Guide
Artwork.in
EK website:
Ecotourism stickers: EK produces
stickers bearing messages on responsible
tourism and the community. These can be
obtained from EK offices in upper hill at no
cost for members and other interested parties.
Final Stickers.indd 4
2/10/12 8:40:23 PM
Final Stickers.indd 2
2/10/12 8:40:15 PM
Final Stickers.indd 1
2/10/12 8:40:13 PM
The website is EK’s face to the world. It
outlines all EK programs and activities
as well as all its members and eco
rated facilities.
Visit www.ecotourismkenya.org for
more details.
30
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
our calendar at a glance
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2013
Kenya won the bid to host the 2013 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference
organized under the auspices of The TIES (The International Ecotourism Society). TIES
termed the forthcoming conference as“returning to the birth place”. This was announced
on 19th September 2012 at the 2012 edition of the ESTC in Monterey, California, USA.
Ecotourism Kenya will be the organizing secretariat of the 2013 Conference scheduled for
September, and which plans to attract 1000 international participants to the meeting. The
finer details will be released later.
calendar
Ecotourism partnership and investment Forum 2013
Ecotourism Kenya is organizing an Ecotourism Partnership and Investment forum
which will be held on 12th to 13th February 2013 in Nairobi, followed by the EK Annual
General Meeting on the 13th. Branded under the theme ‘’ forging ecotourism investment
in communities’’, this interactive forum invites all interested parties and stakeholders
including : Tourism investment firms, private and community conservancies, tour
operators, hoteliers, camp operators, community development agencies, communitybased tourism enterprises, government agencies, non-governmental organizations,
marketing and consultancy firms, the media among others. The aim of the forum
is to promote ecotourism standards through the development of partnerships and
investment opportunities in Kenya and beyond. The activities for the forum will range
from workshops and exhibitions, presentations, business meetings and plenary sessions.
Further information will be provided later. For more details, contact EK through email at
info@ecotourismkenya .org or on cell 0726 366 080.
Leadership and mentorship program- January intake
Ecotourism Kenya under the leadership and mentorship program offers students
internship opportunities that compliments the students learning experiences and offers
mentorship on careers aimed at developing professionals. Under this program, Students
gain invaluable experience at host institutions that are derived from EK members and also
gain worthy academic credits to fulfill course requirements. Application for the January
intake is ongoing. The deadline for application is 30th November. For more details visit
our website at www.ecotourismkenya.org or Email: mentorship@ecotourismkenya.
org or call 0726 366 080 or 020 257 4059
EK Coast Members Guide
You can now download the EK Coast Members Guide. The guide profiles our Coastal
Members, who practice and implement sound environmental practices in their
operations that include: properties and destinations they manage; promote and sell to
visitors. The profiles listed include: Eco-rated Facilities, other Accommodation facilities,
Tours Operators and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Individual Members.
The 2013 edition will be produced and circulated mid-next year.
EK Joins ICTP as Destination Member
Ecotourism Kenya has officially joined the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP).
The Council is a Global Alliance to support and promote Destinations and Stakeholders
in selected destinations with a shared belief in well managed travel and tourism as a
driver of community business, jobs, well being and happiness. ICTP is committed to:
Quality in all aspects of destination management and marketing and Green Growth that
promotes low carbon and environmentally sound development. Ecotourism Kenya looks
forward to a cordial relationship with ICTP. For more details about ICTP please visit: www.
tourismpartners.org
Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
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Issue No. 03 october – december 2012
mara north conservancy - kenya
the small luxury hotels of the world
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